2023 Ford Explorer reliability record
Every consumer complaint and recall the U.S. government (NHTSA) has on file for the 2023 Ford Explorer — the repair risk behind the ownership cost.
- NHTSA complaints
- 139
- 139 in the last 5 years
- Top problem area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- 21 complaints
- Recalls on record
- 14
- see below
- Reported harm
- 12 reported crashes · 12 injuries · 3 fires
What owners report fails — 2023 Ford Explorer
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 21
- STEERING 12
- SUSPENSION 12
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11
- POWER TRAIN 10
14 recalls on record for the 2023 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 26V159000 · 2026 · SEAT BELTS A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- NHTSA 26V123000 · 2026 · BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- NHTSA 25V442000 · 2025 · BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that con
- NHTSA 25V455000 · 2025 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- NHTSA 25V393000 · 2025 · SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 2023 Ford Explorer
A vehicle's complaint record hints at the repair and maintenance budget you'll need. Add your state, purchase price, and mileage to the TCO calculator for the full picture.
Open TCO calculatorThese are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 2023 Ford Explorer units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Data as of 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Ford Explorer reliable?
NHTSA has 139 consumer complaints on record for the 2023 Ford Explorer and 14 recalls. The most-reported problem area is unknown or other (21 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 2023 Ford Explorer units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Ford Explorer?
Owners most often report problems with: unknown or other (21), steering (12), suspension (12), electrical system (11). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
How much does it cost to own a 2023 Ford Explorer?
Ownership cost depends on your state taxes, insurance, fuel, and the maintenance the vehicle's reliability record implies. Use the CarOutlay 5-year TCO calculator to estimate the full cost including the repair risk this complaint record suggests.